MIAMI (AFP) - Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade will miss Sunday's NBA All-Star Game because of a strained right hamstring that has kept him sidelined for the last six games.

The 33-year-old made the announcement after taking part in a team practice Tuesday, saying he would travel with the Heat to Cleveland but not take part in Thursday's game against their former teammate LeBron James.

"I could play but it would not be the smart thing to do," Wade said of facing the Cavaliers.

"We have a run to make after the All-Star break to solidify a playoff seed." Wade, who has been selected in 11 All-Star squads, has been nagged by hamstring injuries this season.

Wade, a member of the 2008 Olympic title winning squad, has not played since January 27 in a home loss to Milwaukee.

The Heat's next game after the All-Star break is February 20 at New York in the same Madison Square Garden venue that will host the All-Star Game.

js/pi Basket-NBA-AllStars-Heat-WadeAFP 101956 GMT FEB 15